Canadian Citizens Effecting Change
Federal Election Process in Canada
Canada currently uses the "First Past the Post" system in federal elections. This system takes place in constituencies that elect a single M.P. each. Voters indicate their favored candidate and the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins.
Broken Down Further
-Canada is divided in 308 areas, each called a Riding
-Each Riding has to elect one person to represent them from political group they believe best puts their interests at heart (such as Liberals, Conservatives etc.) in the House of Commons, becoming Member of Parliament (M.P.) -Within each Riding there is a race between those candidates, each hoping to win the most votes -The Candidate with the most votes wins the seat for their riding -The Candidate that won becomes M.P. for that Riding -When the number of M.P.s belonging to a political group have majority in Parliament the leader of that political group becomes Prime Minister |
1. Dissolution
-Parliament is dissolved by the Governor General and the election is then called 2. Enumeration - National voters' lists are compiled 3. Nomination - Parties choose candidates who will run in each constituency or riding 4. Campaigning - Parties seek to increase the amount of people supporting them through different awareness projects. The media is a big influence in campaigning because it can either assist a party or tarnish the name of one. 5. Voting or Balloting -Eligible voters visit polling stations (like at elementary schools) so citizens can register and cast their vote. 6. Tabulating -Votes are counted and the winning candidates are declared for each riding, the Prime Minster is announced. |
How Can an Individual Participate in a Canadian Election? |
How Can an Individual Influence the Government? |
A Canadian citizen can participate in an election in many ways. Two of them are by voting and campaigning for a desired party. Voting is, if not, one of the biggest ways to participate in the Canadian government elections. By voting, one can have a say in their municipal, provincial or federal leaders. Another way to have an impact in an election, is by campaigning for a party. This way of participation can increase voter turnout greatly and can also help the most desired politician, best suited for the job, to win.
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Canada's Party System
The Political Spectrum
The political spectrum is a way to classify political parties or ideologies, symbolizing independent political areas and interests. The Left End of the Spectrum The left end of the political spectrum is for parties who have a tendencies towards social justice and social and economic intervention by the state. They believe in the rights of individuals (liberalism) through non-religious views. They also believes that change will happen through law and reform. The Right End of the Spectrum On the right end of the spectrum are parties that have opposite feelings and beliefs from the left side of the spectrum. They believe in established political and religious order. This political group believes in Conservatism which governs through traditional ideas. |
Main Political Parties' Ideologies in Canada
- The New Democratic Party (N.D.P.) supports social assistance programs government-funded health care, education and is against privatization of crown corporations. They are also the most socialist of the parties.
- The Bloc Quebecois supports Quebec interests and Quebec sovereignty and independence.
- The Green Party is dedicated to the environment and to green politics
- The Liberals support individual freedom. This political party also supports universal health care, arts and other programs while having less support for the military.
- The Conservatives supports laissez-faire capitalism. They also support traditions, businesses' interests and focusing on nationalism and militarism.
Article
“South Surrey Woman Lobbies for Off-Leash Dog Trails”
October 21, 2016 Peace Arch News
In Nick Greenzian’s Article, “South Surrey Woman Lobbies for off-leash dog trails,” published by Peace Arch News, Lisa Wong uses her voice as a Canadian citizen to start an online petition that aims to provide more off-leash, dog-friendly trails in the city. Wong later in her weeks sent an email to the City of Surrey stating, “There are no options for people to hike or walk with their dogs off-leash, yet there are hundreds of trails and paths for joggers and bikers.”
This article demonstrates Canadian citizens affecting change because a citizen is using her voice and lobbies for something she and others feel deeply passionate about.
http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/397944891.html
October 21, 2016 Peace Arch News
In Nick Greenzian’s Article, “South Surrey Woman Lobbies for off-leash dog trails,” published by Peace Arch News, Lisa Wong uses her voice as a Canadian citizen to start an online petition that aims to provide more off-leash, dog-friendly trails in the city. Wong later in her weeks sent an email to the City of Surrey stating, “There are no options for people to hike or walk with their dogs off-leash, yet there are hundreds of trails and paths for joggers and bikers.”
This article demonstrates Canadian citizens affecting change because a citizen is using her voice and lobbies for something she and others feel deeply passionate about.
http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/397944891.html